…18 defence lawyers withdraw from case
RismadarVoice Reporters
March 4, 2026
Proceedings in the trial of a Facebook user, Princess God’sown Monday Udoito, charged with alleged defamatory publications against the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, was on Wednesday, 4th March, 2026, stalled for the second time at the instance of the defence team.
When the matter, with Charge No. HU/12C/2026: The State v. God’sown Monday Udoito, was called at exactly 10am, lead counsel for the defence, Akpadiaha Ebitu Esq., former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Eket Branch, was not in court.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Friday Itim, Esq., announced his appearance along with members of his team from Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice.
Addressing the court, the DPP recalled that the matter had been adjourned on Tuesday, 3rd March, 2026, to Wednesday, 4th March, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Ememobong Nicholas, Esq., Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Documentation.
He informed the court that he was surprised to receive a letter from the defence counsel seeking an adjournment on the ground that he would be appearing before the Court of Appeal, Calabar Division, in respect of the defendant’s bail application.
According to the DPP, the letter from the defence was accompanied by a photocopy of a hearing notice dated February 24, 2026.
He noted, however, that neither he nor the Ministry of Justice, despite being counsel for the prosecution in the matter, had been served with the said hearing notice.
The DPP further told the court that, “out of curiosity,” he contacted three senior officials of the Court of Appeal, Calabar Division, who independently confirmed that the appellate court would not be sitting throughout the week, including Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the date cited by defence counsel.
He stated that upon receiving this information, he sent a text message to the defence counsel informing him that the Court of Appeal, Calabar Division, would not be sitting, so as to prevent any unnecessary travel.
In addition, the DPP informed the court that the prosecution had received a separate letter indicating that 18 members of the defence team had formally withdrawn their representation in the matter.
The notice of withdrawal, dated March 3, 2026, and signed by Peter Ime Akpan, Esq., on behalf of the withdrawing counsel, read in part:
“TAKE NOTICE that we, the underlisted Counsel who have hitherto represented the Defendant/Applicant in this matter before this Honourable Court, do hereby withdraw our appearance as Counsel to the Defendant/Applicant in the above-mentioned charge.
FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that with effect from the date of service of this Notice, we shall cease to act in this matter on behalf of the Defendant/Applicant.”
Despite raising concerns over the circumstances, the DPP told the court that in the interest of justice and to safeguard the defendant’s right to fair hearing, the prosecution would not oppose the adjournment sought by the lead defence counsel.
After listening to the submissions, Justice Umohandi adjourned the case to Thursday, 12th March, 2026 and Wednesday, 18th March, 2026, for definite continuation of the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Ememobong Nicholas, Esq.
